Alarm signal system



J; H. WHEELOCK ALARM SIGNAL SYSTEM Original Filed June 24, 1936 2. Sheets-Sheet 1 THERMAL OPERATOR E DB NIL M M mm RIP THERMAL /OFERATOR m w w W INVENTOR ATTORNEY ay 26, 1942. J, H, WHEELOCK 2,284,185

ALARM SIGNAL SYSTEM Original Filed June 24, 1936 2 sheets sheet 2 INVENTOR JH/v l7! h HEELOC'K ATTORNEY Patented May 26, 1942 PATENT OFFICE ALARM SIGNAL. SYSTEM John H. Wheelock, Fitzwilliam, N. H., assignor to Signal Engineering & Manufacturing Comp y, New York, N. Y., c'husetts I Original application Jun 86,921. Divided and th a corporation of Massae 24, 1936,"Serial No. 1s

application February 29, 1940, Serial No. 321,532

7 Claims.

The present invention relates to alarm signal systems, particularly fire alarm systems, embodying a number of bells or other signals adapted to be sounded or otherwise operated, in response to the actuation of any one of a number of separate alarm sending stations, such alarm systems being commonly installed in schools, factories, hotels, and other large buildings.

The present application is a division of my original application, Serial No. 86,921, filed June "11) 24, 1936, since issued as Patent No. 2,235,272, dated March 18, 1941, which discloses an alarm system of the above indicated character, in which the signals are adapted. to sound a general alarm throughout the system, in response to the ac- FS tuation of any one of a number of identical noncode sending stations. In certain signal installations, however, it is desirable to sound only certain predetermined-signals, hereinafter termed pro-signals, in order to enable persons in au-ilo thority to decide whether or not the situation warrants the sounding of a general alarm, and the invention of the present divisional application contemplates the adaptation of the system for the sounding of both pre-signal and generalg'ifo alarms. Y

The system of the present invention also provides for continuous electrical supervision of the various circuits and apparatus embodied in the system, so that any abnormal circuit condition,{' 3 such as the occurrence of a break or ground, will be immediately called to attention by the operation of trouble signals distinct from the alarm signals,with provision also being made for utilizing the trouble signals as pre-signa1s.-The5 above and other advantageous features of the invention will hereinafter more fully'appear from the following description, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig, 1 is a schematic view illustrating the sys-, 'tem in its normal condition, with continuous" electrical supervision of its various circuits.

Fig. 2 illustrates operation of the system of Fig. l, to transmit pre-signals,

Fig. 3 illustrates a modification of the System 4 of Fig. 1, wherein the general alarm signals are operated on a master code basis.

Figs. 4 and 5 are views in front and-side elevation, respectively, showing the construction of. a circuit controlling device embodied in the sys 50 tem.

Referring first to Fig. 1, the signals I, which are adapted to be sounded or otherwise electrically operated forgiving an alarm are shown, for purposes of illustration, as being of the single-.55

stroke solenoid type, with each signal providing an operating winding 2 within which moves a magnetic striker 2a. Under certain conditions in the system, the windings 2 of the signals 1 are adapted "to be connected in sections across the supply mains 3 and 4, with a resistor 5 in each section, by means of a number of sets of relatively movable contacts 6 andl, forming part of a master controller, generally designated by the reference'character A. As best shown in Figs. 4 and 5, the master controller 'A, comprises a magnetic core 8, one leg of which is surrounded by an energizing winding 9, while the lower end of the other core leg supports a main armature l0 and an auxiliary armature H, movable independently of the main armature. The main armature carries a bar [2, on which are mounted a number of contacts 6, corresponding to the movable contacts of the several sets shown in Fig. 1 for controlling energization of the signal windings 2.' These contacts 6 are in the form of arms insulated from the bar l2 at 13 and are adapted to engage the stationary contacts I mounted on an'insulating base l4, upon closure of the main armature Ill, in response to energization of the winding 9.

Referring again to Fig. 1, the winding 9 ofthe master controller A is shown as having one terminal thereof connected to the supply main 3, while the other terminal thereof is connected to one end of the thermal element I 5 of an automatic circuit interrupter of the type shown in the Hanel Patent No. 1,868,500, issued-July 26,

1932. The interrupter is shown diagrammatically as consisting of a pivoted arm I6 connected to the other end of the thermal element 15, with the initial tension of the elementl5 maintaining the arm I 6 in engagement'with a stationary contact I1. Upon the passage of a predetermined current throughthe thermal element 15, its

heating and expansion permits a spring 16a to turn the arm I6 about its pivot to disengage stationary contact l1, whereupon current no longer flows through the element l5, The resulting cooling and contraction of the element [5 causes the arm 16 to re-engage contact whereupon the cycle is repeated to cause the interrupter to make and break the circuit of the element l5 so long as sufficient current flows through the element to cause its expansion.

- The stationary contact I! of'the thermal element I5 is connected in series with a number of alarm sending stations S, of the non-code type, disposed in various locations throughout the system. Each sending station S provides indeconductor 32,

between the contacts l8 and I9 by a bridgingmember 22, while a second bridging member 23, insulated from member 22, maintains a circuit between contacts 20 and 2|. The showing of the station, referred to above, is entirely diagrammatic and it will be readily understood that a station of'this charactercan be constructed in various ways in order to accomplish the results contemplated by my invention. Thus in the illustrated embodiment of a station S, the of a glass not shown, would cause the bridging members 22 and 23 to be turned into the position of Fig. 2, the bridging members remaining in this position until the glass at the operated station has been replaced.

The contact l9 of the station S, farthest removed from the controller winding 9, is connected by a station conductor 24 to a controlling resistor 25 that is connected in series with the operating windings 2 of one or more sections of general alarm signals The windings 2 are connected by a station conductor 26 to the series of bridged station contacts 2|] and 2|, which are in turn connected to the supply main 4 by a con-, ductor 21, in series with resistor 28. Two of the movable controller contacts 6 are connected to the supply main 4 by conductor 29, while corresponding stationary contacts 1 are respectively connected to the'signal windings 2 at junction 36, and to the thermal element at junction 3|.

The intermediate controller contacts 6 and I are respectively connected to the supply main 3 by and to station conductor 24 at the junction 32a. I

Normally, a small supervisory current traverses the parts of the system described thus far, the

current flowing from the supply main 4 through resistor 28, conductor 21 and the bridged station .contacts 2| and 20. then traverses station conductor 26, signal windings 2 and resistor 25, station conductor 24, bridged station contacts |9 The supervisory current from which it flows through and I8, and thermal element 15, to the controller winding 9 and groundedsupply main 3. This current is just sufficient to attract and hold in the auxiliary armature ll of the controller to maintain supervisory contacts 33 closed, by a bridging member 33a, with the main armature ID in its down position serving to maintain supervisory contacts 34 closed, by a bridging member 34a, insulated from main contact arms 6. I

' As previously pointed out, the system of Fig. 1

contemplates the sounding of pre-signals, inresponse to the 'actuation of a station S, and these pre-signals, designated 35 and 35", are also utilized as trouble signals, with provision made for dual supervision of the same. In the normal non-operating condition of the system, a supervisory current from source B flows through the winding 36 of signal 35, in circuit with interrupter contacts 31, the contacts 34, which are held closed by the bridging member 34a when the main armature I0 is down, and a controlling resistor 38, connected to the other side of source B. This supervisory current is just sufiicient to hold a plunger 39 out of engagement with normally open contacts 40, shunted across the terminals j of a resistor 38', having one terminal connected 7 to supply main 4, through the conductor 29. The

other terminal of resistor 38' is connected in series with the bridged contacts 33, under control of auxiliary armature H, and interrupter consupervision,

breaking 39', as long as the plunger 39 of the tacts 31 to one terminal of the winding 36 of the other signal 35'. The other terminal of winding 36' is connected to the grounded supply main 3, and the flow of supervisory current through winding 36' is just suflicient to hold plunger 39 out of engagement with contacts 40' shunted across the terminals of resistor 38.

With the system of Fig. 1 in a condition of the occurrence of any fault in the station or signal circuits, which results in dropping out of the auxiliary armature II and the opening of contacts 33, will cause the signal 35 to be operated as a primary trouble signal, upon closure of contacts 49 by falling plunger 39' and short circuiting of the signal resistor 38. Furthermore, any failure of source B, or a fault in signal 35 itself, will cause the other signal 35' to be operated, as an auxiliary trouble signal, in response to closure of the contacts 40 by the falling plunger 39 to short circuit the resistor 38 in circuit with the winding 36. It is also apactuated bybreaking of its glass, thereby moving the bridging members 22 and 23 from the position of Fig. 1 tothe position of Fig. 2. When this occurs, a circuit is established from the supply'main 4 through resistor 28 to the bridged contacts 2| and sistor 25 and signal windings 2 from the circuit of the controller winding 9, at the contacts l9 and 20. The resulting increase of current through the controller winding, indicated by the solid arrowheads, causes thearmature Hi to pull in, and closes the controller contacts 6 and 1. Upon opening of the contacts 34, as the armature |0 pulls in, the signal 35' will operate as a presignal to give recurring strokes of the plunger first signal 35 remains down. The resulting closure of the first and second sets of controller contacts 6 and Twill not operate the general alarm signals I,

'due to the fact that the conductor 26 leading This circuit condition is shown in Fig. 2.

Closure of thethird set of controller contacts 6 and 1, establishes a circuit from supply main 4 through conductor 29 and junction 3| to the thermal element l5, thereby cutting the resistor 28 out of circuit with the element l5. The resulting increase of current through the'element l5 causes its expansion and separation of the arm |6 from contact thereby interrupting the current through the controller winding 9. When this occurs, both armatures l0 and pull out to close contacts 34 and opencontacts 6, I and 33, thereby deenergizing the signal 35' and causing the first signal 35 to operate as a pre-signal.

Upon opening the circuit of thermal element l5, its contractioncauses the arm l6 and contact I1 to re-close, thereby deenergizing the signal 35 and again operating the signal 35', as both armatures lfl and again pull in. Therefore, the

' actuation of a station S has the effect of operating the. signals 35' and 35 alternately, as presignals, in such a manner as to be readily recognized. V

Since the armatures l0 and II are in or out together, in accordance with whether the winding 9 is fully energized or completely deenergized,

|8, thereby removing the rethe signals 35' and 35 will alternately give a number of recurring strokes, followed by a pause. The alternate intermittent operation of signals 35' and 35 as pre-signals is easily recognized, as distinguished from their continuous separate operation as trouble signals.

Let it now be assumed that a person in authority has located the actuated station and found that the fire is of such proportions that a general alarm should be sounded. It is then only necessary to close normally open contacts 4|, provided at each station, thereby completing a direct circuit between station conductors 24 and 26, as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 2. When this has been done, the next closure of the controller contacts 6 and 1 will cause the flow of operating current through the general alarm signal windings 2, in unison with the pre-signal 35'. The circuit for the general alarm signal windings may be traced from supply main 4 through conductor 29, first closed controller contacts 6 and l and junction 30, to general alarm signal windings 2 and station conductor 26. doctor 26, the current passes through-closed general alarm contacts 4| to station conductor 24, and from the junction 32a through second closed controller contacts 6 and I, and conductor 32 to the grounded main 3, as indicated by open arrow heads. Obviously, the general alarm signals will operate intermittently, along with the alternate operation of the pre-signals 35' and 35, until the glassis replaced at the actuated station, to restore the system to the condition of supervision shown in Fig. 1. v

In Fig. 3, there is shown a modification of the system of Fig. 1, with provision for operating the general alarm signals I inaccordance with a master code. The arrangement of the essential elements'of this system is substantially the same as previously described, with the master controller A providing in addition, a stepping mechanism, operated by the main armature l0, through a pivotally connected rod 43 carrying a pawl 44 at its upper end, see Fig. 5. The pawl 44 cooperates with the teeth 45a of a ratchet wheel 45, so that each upward movement of the rod 43 in response to full energization of the winding 9, results in turning a shaft 46 carrying the wheel 45 through a predetermined angle. The shaft 46 also carries a master code wheel 41 providing a number of projections 48, each having an angular span equivalent to the distance between several teeth 45a on the ratchet Wheel 45.

The supply main 3 is connected to a stationary contact 49 that is spaced from a movable contact 59, having one end bearing on the periphery of the master code wheel 41. The movable contact 59 is in turn connected to the intermediate movable contact 6 of the controller. Consequently, when the general alarm contacts 4| of any one of the station S are closed, the resulting energization of the general alarm signals I through the conductor 32, is entirely in accordance with the duration of the closure of the contacts 49 and 50 by the code projections 48. With the master code wheel shown in Fig. 3, the code projections 48 each have an angular span equivalent to four ratchet teeth 45a, so that a repeated rhythm corresponding to one, two, three, four-one, two, three, four will be given by the general alarm signals I, as long as the glass at the actuated station remains broken.

In order to restore the system of Fig. 3 to a condition of supervision, upon replacing the glass,

From conthe shaft as carries a disk 5|, with a movable contact 52 received in a depression 53 of the station contacts, the thermal element I5 will continue to operate, and so cause the shaft 46 to be stepped around, until the contact 52 is again received in the notch 53. This operation insures that the shaft 46 will always come to rest in the same angularposition, corresponding to that of Fig. 3, with the contacts 49 and 50 open.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that by the present invention there is provided an improved alarm signal system, characterized by the utilization of certain signals as either trouble indicating signals, or as pre-signals that are sounded in response to the actuation of a station.

The system of the present invention has particular utility in hospitals, especially for mental cases, jails and other places of detention, where irresponsible inmates are liable to purposely actuate a station by breaking its glass, in order to give a false alarm, with resultant confusion as to the cause of the alarm. By utilizing trouble signals located in a superintendents oifice to also transmit distinctive preliminaryor warning signals, in response to actuation of a station, rather than a fault, the sounding of a general alarm is prevented temporarily at least. With the usual close telephone communication between the superintendents ofiice and the various floors or wards of such an institution, the reason for actuatinga station can be quickly determined before reaching a decision as to sounding a general alarm. In this important respect, the present system difiers from the ordinary pre-signal system, wherein pre-signals, diiTerent from trouble signals, are located at various points throughout the system, as disclosed for example, in my Patent No. 2,159,304, dated May 23, 1939.

I claim:

1. In combination, an alarm signal system comprising sending stations, general alarm signals, a first fault-indicating signal, a second fault-indicating signal, means for maintaining flow of supervisory current through said system and both fault-indicating signals, with the value of said current insuificient to cause operation of either signal, means responsive to interruption of supervisory current through the first signal to operate the second signal, means responsive to interruption of supervisory current through said system or said signal to operate the first signal, and means responsive to actuation of a sending station to cause both of said fault-indicating signals to operate as preliminary or warning signals, while preventing operation of said general alarm signals.

V 2. In combination, an alarm signal system comprising sending stations, general alarm signals, a first fault-indicating signal, a second fault-indicating signal, means for maintaining flow of supervisory current through said system and both fault-indicating signals, with the value of supervisorycurrent through thefirst signal to operatethe second signal, means responsive to interruption of supervisory current through.

said system or said second signal to operate the first signal, and means responsive to actuation of any sending station to cause both' of said fault-indicating signals to operate alternately as preliminary or warning signals.

3. In combination, an alarm signal system comprising sending stations, general alarm signals, a first fault-indicating signal, a second fault-indicating signal, means for maintaining flow of supervisory current through said system and both fault-indicating signals, with the value of said current insuificient to cause operation of either signal, means responsive to interruption of supervisory current through the first signal to operate the second signal, means responsive to "interruption of supervisory current through said system orsaid second signal to operate the first signal, means responsive to the actuation of any sending station'to cause said fault-indicating signalsto "operate alternately as pre-sige nals, and additional means at each station to cause said general alarm signals to operate in unison with said pre-signals.

1. In combination, an alarmsignal system comprising sending stations, general alarm signals, a fault-indicating signal, means for maintaining a flow of supervisory current through said system, with the value of said current innal to operate differently than when indicating a fault and thereby function as a preliminary, or warning signal, independently of said general alarm signals.

5. In combination, an alarm signal system comprising sending stations, general alarm sigof supervisory current through said system to operate said fault-indicating signal continuously as long as a fault exists, and means responsive to actuation of any sending station to cause said fault-indicating signal to operate intermittently, while preventing operation of said general alarm signals.

6. In combination, an alarm signal system comprising sending stations, general alarm signals, a fault-indicating signal, means for maintaining a flow of supervisory current through said system, with the value of said current insufficient to cause operation of said general alarm signals, means responsive to'interruption of supervisory current through said system to operate said fault-indicating signal continuously as long as a fault exists, means at each station for causing said fault-indicating signal to operate intermittently to serve as a preliminary nals, a fault-indicating signal, means for mainor warning signal, while preventing operation of said general alarm signals, and additional means at each station for causing the operation of said general alarm signals.

,7. In combination, an alarm signal system comprising sending stations, general alarm signals, a fault-indicating signal, means for maintaining a flow of supervisory current through said system, with the value of said current insufficient to, cause operation of said general alarm signals, means responsive to interruption of supervisory current through said system to operate said fault-indicating signal continuously as long as a fault exists, contacts at each station operable to cause functioning of said fault-indicating signal on an intermittent basis, while maintaining an open circuit for said general alarm signals, and additional contacts at each station operable to cause functioning of said general alarm signals.

JOHN H. WI-IEELOCK. 

